The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the rules and requirements for commercial drivers across the country. Though each state has its own application process, all states must adhere to federal requirements set forth by the FMCSA.

Tests may vary slightly according to state. However, minimum federal requirements require:

A minimum of 30 questions.

A passing score of at least 80%.

Pay the associated fees.

These will vary according to your state.

Again, the application process, additional forms, fees, identity documents, and other requirements are at the discretion of your state. Please contact your local commercial driver licensing office for specifics on what your state requires, or visit our state-specific CDL guides.

You're required to hold your CLP for at least 14 days before applying for your full commercial driver's license, as per federal guidelines. Your state may require you to hold it for longer.

Commercial Driver's License

Once you've satisfied the requirements above and practiced on the road with a driver possessing a CDL license, you may then apply for a CDL.

Federal regulations states that you must:

Hold your commercial learner's permit for at least 14 days.

Provide a vehicle for your skills test of the same type that you plan to test for and drive once licensed.

Pass the CDL skills test, which consists of 3 parts:

Vehicle inspection.

Basic controls exam.

Road test.

Some states may require additional steps, such as the completion of a CDL training course.

CDL Endorsements & Waivers

If you plan to add an endorsement to your CDL, additional testing, applications, and security checks may be needed. Examples of endorsements include:

Tank vehicles.

Passenger vehicles or school buses.

Carrying hazardous materials.

If you are a military veteran with experience driving military vehicles, you may be eligible to have your CDL skills test waived. For more information, visit our Veterans CDL Skills Test Waiver page.

Other industries that states have the right to waive some of the CDL requirements for include:

Farming.

Emergency medical.

Firefighters.

Workers removing snow and ice.

Contact your local commercial driver licensing office for details if you work in any of these industries.